Category Archives: Technology

In a perfect world, your students would be in class every day and every student would be at the same stages of your lesson plans. But life happens. Sometimes students can be out for athletic activities, sick days, or suspension. Keeping track of where every student is in your lesson plan can be tough, making it difficult to know which students may need to take home assignments. They may have missed out on key information that even make up work cannot help. The Boardshare High Definition Document Camera can help!

With the Boardshare High Definition Document Camera, you can record videos, turn captured images into video, and use a time-lapse feature that allows you to digitally annotate. These features can be useful in the classroom in multiple ways:

Record Videos- Sometimes students need extra help they can’t get at school. You can use your Boardshare High Definition Document Camera to record lesson plans or live classroom days. Students who are absent will be able to watch these and feel like they were in class while catching up. They will enjoy the benefits of seeing first hand what the conversation was around and can pause or stop while doing assignments. You can also share with other teachers, staff, or parents. With the help of parents and your videos, they will be up to date.

Captured Image to Video- Some students are visual learners while others are verbal learners. Turning your PDF assignments into a video with side notes and voiceover narration can bring a full picture for both types of learners.

Time-lapse- Some students need to see someone else work out a problem to know how to solve the one they are working on. If you’re working through something on paper, you can use the time-lapse feature to make a video working out an equation or creating a drawing. This would help students see fast-paced versions of what they are working on.

On top of all the ways this can incorporate into the classroom the Boardshare High Definition Document Camera is also great for business settings. It can be used for business presentations, webinars, lectures and more!

Long gone are the days in which students learning English
simply memorize and repeat what their textbooks and teachers tell them. English
learners around the world of all ages are tapping into and embracing the power
of technology in countless ways to enhance and support their language-learning
experience. Technology in the English language acquisition classroom is
critical to helping students not only learn English but also to be able to succeed
academically in main content areas.

Video

One of the most widely-used methods of teaching English
using technology is the use of video. Students can watch short clips that are
relevant to a particular grammatical point they’re learning, vocabulary content
they’re studying, or to practice social pragmatic skills by watching a roleplay
of how language is used in certain social situations, for example.

As a self-study tool, video empowers students to practice
listening and to learn new vocabulary by watching YouTube videos, television
shows, movies, documentaries, and more in English. With the subtitles turned on
and then off, students can pick up more of what characters are saying and
master more of the language on their own.

Video can also be used as a tool to demonstrate understanding of a particular topic and to practice all four domains of learning a language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students can write a script, act it out, read it on camera, and listen to themselves with school headphones as they edit and re-shoot video of they find parts of it aren’t clear. They can then share this video with their peers and instructors as a demonstration of what they’re learning.

Apps

Hundreds of apps are available for mobile phones, iPads, tablets,
and PCs that focus on various aspects of learning English. For example,
students can listen to podcasts with headphones on a topic that they’re
interested in, such as the latest news. They might play games that encourage
them to practice their grammar skills or improve their reading comprehension.
The number of apps for practicing specific English skills are nearly limitless,
it seems, as new apps are being created every day.

Blogs and Pen Pals

To improve writing, students can engage in a wide variety of
activities that incorporate technology. For instance, students might write
posts in small groups, pairs, or as individuals for the class blog. They are
likely to pay more attention to their writing if they know that it’s available
to the world through the Internet and that their classmates will be reading
their posts and then commenting on them (another great way to practice
writing).

Students can connect with other English learners or with
native speakers of English in another class through websites that connect
teachers and students around the world as pen pals. If a student has an e-pen
pal they like to write to, they are more likely to be internally motivated to
put their ideas into an email to share with their pen pal on a regular basis
than if they have to write just because the teacher says to.

Another idea to improve writing is to have students share
their thoughts on online articles or discussion forums. The BBC offers a site
for teenage students to read short news stories and then comment on them, for
example. Using online identities (and with parents’ permission for young
students), commenting on news stories or in a class discussion forum can be
great ways for students to utilize technology to improve their language
abilities.

Computer Testing

Technology is not just present in the classroom for
instructional purposes. For students who live in countries or who attend
schools where academic content is presented in English, they often face
difficulties in learning how to use the technology required for them to take
assessments of their academic abilities, including their English language
proficiency.

Teachers must do more than teach English. They must teach
students how to use the platforms, click and drag, type in text boxes, for
example. Students must learn vocabulary related to the instructions for the
technological aspects of the test, such as “drag” or “icon.”

Students who are from low-income homes may not have access
to computers and the Internet, and their schools may not have much in the way
of computers, either, if they are located in low-income areas. Students may be
familiar with how to use mobile phones and tablets more than computers, and
this can put them at a disadvantage when they have to put on their headphones
during an assessment at school and navigate the exam’s computer interface on
their own.

Technology is not just for entertainment purposes. English
courses for adults and children are available for free and for a cost. Private
tutors and online English teaching companies teach using web conferencing
software. Schools and governments test students using computers and expect them
to know how to use them and the Internet to research and write papers.

Teachers are incorporating technology into the classroom to
make learning more fun and engaging for students on an individual level.
Technology in the English classroom is changing the way students are taught and
how they learn, and it will continue to do so in new ways as technology
advances.

Based in Lafayette, Colorado. We supply the education, health and fitness, hospitality, business and government industries with high quality audio visual equipment and technology accessories.

With an ever-expanding product selection from top brands, free shipping options, competitive pricing and easy ordering, Encore Data Products enables its clients to maximize their investment in equipment needed to enrich their learning, health and business environments!

Whether its headphones or headsets for a classroom – a mobile device charging solution for STEM lab or media room – or earbuds for a hotel or spa – we have you covered – give us a call TOLL FREE: 866-926-1669 !

WHY USE ENCORE DATA PRODUCTS?

Our business philosophy is simple: Provide quality products at great prices that are delivered in a timely manner.

We started the company with the goal of earning repeat customers by providing:
– Great customer service
– Easy ordering
– Competitive prices
– FREE shipping on most ground orders over $49.99 in the lower 48 states.
– Worldwide delivery for some products contact us regarding international availability
– No minimum order amounts on most items shipped in the U.S.

Please contact us by phone or email if you have any questions about Encore Data products, our products, or our suppliers. If you are looking for something not found on our web site, then let us know; we are adding new products weekly and will do our best to find what you need.

Phone: 303-926-1669
Email: sales@encoredataproducts.com

PURCHASE ORDERS

We accept purchase orders from government agencies, universities, school districts, libraries and some medical organizations. We require a faxed or emailed copy of the official PO prior to shipment.

Ideal in a STEM/STEAM curriculum- it’s the perfect tool to help students learn to code, create devices, and empower them to innovate and design.

Available from Encore Data Products – here is a summary of commonly asked questions.

What is pi-top?

pi-top is a build-it-yourself laptop powered by the Raspberry Pi. It has a modular rail. The pi-top is designed for anyone with the hunger to expand their knowledge. Express your creativity through technology by becoming a maker and inventor. It is the easiest way to start using your Raspberry Pi.

What is the difference between pi-top and pi-topCEED?

The pi-top is a modular laptop and pi-topCEED is a modular desktop.

pi-top fully portable and thus will allow users to deploy the Raspberry Pi in any location with the use of its exceptional 10-hour long-life battery.

The pi-topCEED is an all-in-one stationary desktop with a 14-inch screen ideal to be used as a workstation. It provides all the functionality of the pi-top at a fraction of the cost; allowing schools and enthusiasts to learn how to code, and create using the Raspberry Pi, with ease, at home or the workplace.

Both have our full pi-topOS package on them and easy frontal access to the modular rail for your hardware projects.

How do you code on pi-top?

Using pi-topOS which is bundled with our educational game CEED universe the gamer will learn how to code and create hardware as they progress through the game with the opportunity of enhancing their gaming experience with the use of DIY add-on boards that the user will be instructed on how to build, create and play with.

Do pi-top and/or pi-topCEED have an Audio System?

The pi-top range is steadily increasing.

We have the original pi-top speaker, and now we have the pi-top PULSE.

The speaker board that can be configured for left, right and mono sound via a switch on the bottom of the board.

This attaches to the rail area you will attach the raspberry pi and the pi-top hub boards in the assembly of either the pi-top or the CEED.

The pi-top PULSE has a programmable LED array with lessons available via pi-top CODER

What can you make with pi-top?

All software and hardware creations made with the Raspberry Pi are fully-compatible, and transferable, with the pi-topand the pi-topCEED when used with the proto-board.

This might include stations, flickering LED candles, gaming emulator consoles, wireless music stations and many more other fun maker projects.

Who is pi-top for?

There are no boundaries – the pi-top kit is for anyone wanting to get a greater understanding in computing and become a maker! However, we found the recommended starting age to be 8+.

Does pi-top work like a regular computer?

The pi-top and the pi-topCEED provide the office tasks of a regular desktop with the use of Libre office (compatible with Microsoft office) which allows the user to create:

Documents

Spreadsheets

Powerpoints

As well as the standard features of an office desktop; pi-top and pi-topCEEDallow the user to create software and hardware with ease using the following bundled features:

3D Slash

Scratch

Raspberry Pi Resources

Minecraft Pi

All of the features above have been combined to allow creators to easily and affordably bring their creations into the world.

What is pi-topCEED?

The pi-topCEED is a ‘plug & play’ desktop powered by the Raspberry Pi with a magnetic modular rail. It’s a great tool for physical computing or learning how to code – mostly used in the STEAM education classroom.

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!

What is a pi-topPROTO Board?

pi-topPROTO is a super-charged breadboard for your pi-top or pi-topCEED. Breadboards allow you to build and connect electronic devices to your computer via the General Purpose Input and Output Pins (GPIO). The pins provide power and allow students to write code to operate the devices remotely. They can easily run robots, make traffic light systems with LED’s, even build a heart rate monitor.

It’s the perfect tool to teach physical computing. Simply slide the pi-topPROTO into the Modular Rail and go!

CALIFONE 1216USB 6 POSITION USB JACK BOX

Introducing the first multi-modal jackbox which is capable of recording verbal responses in addition to playing audio. When connecting up to six microphones, the jackbox transfers students’ answers through its USB plug to the connected computer, where their answers can be stored and replayed from. The USB jackbox doubles the effectiveness of language learning with speech utilization, making it ideal for students of all ages as well as for multiple users on a VOIP call.

Warranty: For school/business uses for 1 year from purchase date
Safety: Built for use in schools, churches, business and government facilities

HAMILTON JBP8VA EIGHT-POSITION JACK BOX 3.5MM STEREO – RED

The JBP8VAR Jackbox delivers stereo sound for up to 8 students and includes volume controls for personalized listening levels!

Constructed of heavy gauge plastic, this 8 position jackbox has eight 3.5mm headphone or headset jacks and features a 4 foot long connection cable with dual source plug for a 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch jack, making it compatible with a wide range of media players!

Pair it up with your choice of HamiltonBuhl media players and headphones or headsets and you have an 8 station learning center!

Specifications:

Construction: Heavy gauge plastic

Color: Red – OTHER COLORS TOO!

Accommodates: Eight 3.5mm headphone jacks

Source plug: Dual jacks − one -1/4″ other 1/8″

Connection cable: 4′ long

Volume control: Individual volume control knobs for each headphone position

A high quality and durable stereo headphone with an adjustable headband and soft foam earpads. Individually sealed in plastic.
This is a staple of the AVID line of products built for the education market.
The AE-711 features a single 3.5mm plug for compatibility with virtually all electronic devices.
The adjustable headband fits heads of all sizes.

For Media Carts and AV Systems and designed specifically for the educational environment, this Bluetooth media speaker is engineered to provide room filling sound- from low media carts to high wall mounted locations.

The bass port enhances sound quality, while tone controls allows the system to be dialed in for best performance in any classroom.

If you want to buy an Android tablet, you are probably in one of two main categories: (1) those who want to use the device to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and play casual games; or they want to change their device to make the most of it.
Android tablets will appeal to those who primarily want to consume entertainment since the starting price can be significantly lower. That means more money forever, and cheaper 7-inch tablets like Google Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire are more than capable of playing Netflix, Hulu Plus, music, and reading books.And just as the iPad can interact with other Apple devices, Android tablets can be a great companion to those who already own an Android smartphone.

iPad: Who should buy?
The iPad is an excellent tablet for those who want to experience beyond media consumption. While the iPad is excellent for watching movies, listening to music, and reading books, it can also be used to make movies, make music, and write books. Apple’s suite of software and desktop applications, such as iMovie and Garage Band, make this solution possible, and an increasing number of third-party applications lend substance to the App Store.

The iPad is also the perfect tablet for those who are a little intimidated by technology. Apple has opted for a more straightforward design, which means fewer adjustments, but also involves more comfortable handling. The simple design means you enjoy using a tablet with less time learning to use it.

After all, the iPad is an excellent companion for those who already own Apple products. iPhone users will love the iCloud Photo Library, which lets you share photos between devices, and Apple TV owners love to be able to send the iPad screen to their widescreen TV wirelessly.

Tablets work in the price range, so the purchase decision is a last-minute investment. For example, the Amazon Fire is perfect for a high-tech multimedia toy on a budget, while the iPad Pro is more suitable for someone who can use it as a stand-alone productivity tool.
Remember that you can buy accessories for the keyboard or the stylus, which improves the usefulness of your device, but increases your overhead spending.

Is it the right price?
You can pay a lot for a tablet, but it is not necessary. Tablets range from over $1,000 at the high end to under $50 at the low end, so you have many options, no matter how much or how little you want to spend.

Less than $100
You can find many low-cost Android tablets for less than $100 and Amazon’s 7-inch Fire tablet, a small, reliable device that costs around $50. However, at these prices, it is limited to tablets with low memory and low-resolution displays, and you will not find many that have screens larger than 7 inches. You will need to do your homework before buying to make sure you get a decent device.

$100 to $200
If you have a tight budget but you do not want to dunk in the basement, choosing under $ 200 is a great place to look. Most tablets in this price range are between 7 and 8 inches and run on Android, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7 inches. Storage capacities are still limited, with 8 or 16 GB being the norm, but you’ll occasionally find a tablet with 32 GB of storage on board.

$200 to $300
Pay a little more and get a bit more power and more details, such as higher resolution screens. At $ 269, the Apple iPad mini 2 low-end offers a display of 7.9 inches by 2048 by 1536 pixels, but its storage capacity is limited to 16 GB. In this area, you will also see larger 9 and 10-inch tablets.

$300 to $400
Here you will see more of the most important tablets of the highest quality. Here are the high-end tablets of 7 and 8 inches, as well as the low-end tablets of 9 and 10 inches. For $319 you get a 32GB iPad Mini 2, while for $399 you get a 16GB iPad Air or a 16GB iPad Mini, or the Google Nexus 9 Tablet for $ 399 and a wide selection of Samsung Galaxy Tablets.
$400 and more

The upper segment of the tablet market is a reasonably large segment, but here, tablets from secondary devices become legitimate substitutes for laptops. You get faster processors, bigger screens, more features, and more storage space (though you’ll always find some 16GB models here and there). You will also see tablets with integrated mobile broadband here. Tablets in this area include the iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, high-end Android tablets, and Surface Pro 4.